A major government-backed research project has launched aiming “to reshape the UK’s food system” and accelerate the country’s journey to net zero.
The Thriving Food Futures project has been awarded funding by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the National Institute for Health Research. It will “design and evaluate new food policies to support healthy, sustainable diets across the UK” through numerous studies to take place over the next five years.
Thriving – which stands for Transdisciplinary Health Research to Identify Viable Interventions for Net zero Goals – will conduct a comprehensive review of international food policies; run citizen juries in five locations to help researchers gauge which of the proposed policies are most acceptable to the public; develop a ‘Nutrient and Environment Profiling Model’ to categorise foods based on their nutritional content and environmental impact; and create “novel digital tools” such as smartphone apps to simulate real-world shopping environments and allow for large-scale testing of the proposed policies without relying on industry partnerships.
The project involves researchers from University of Oxford, City University of London, Queen Mary University of London, University of Cambridge, University of Strathclyde, and University of Warwick.
The research hub is a “great opportunity to reshape the UK’s food system in a way that benefits both our health and the environment”, said Peter Scarborough, professor of population health at Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, and project lead. “By working closely with policymakers and the public, we will create evidence-based solutions that are not only effective but also widely accepted and viable. If implemented, these policies can contribute to a healthier population and a healthier planet.”
Food is responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions and, “without significant change to our diets, the UK cannot meet its climate commitments”, said Scarborough.
The researchers say progress towards policy change has been stalled by a perceived lack of public support and a lack of real-world evidence about the effectiveness of potential policies.
Thriving is one of seven new transdisciplinary research hubs exploring ways to ensure the UK’s transition to net zero also protects and promotes physical and mental health. Each hub will receive up to £6m to deliver high-impact research focused on reducing health inequalities. The other hubs’ areas of focus include transport and the built environment; the indoor environment; extreme weather; and decarbonising health and social care pathways.
“The UK’s net zero transition presents a huge opportunity to challenge, review and improve many aspects of societal resilience to create a sustainable environment and healthier, happier population,” said Professor Louise Heathwaite, UKRI building a green future lead and executive chair of the Natural Environment Research Council.
“It is vital that we seize this chance for positive change. We are excited by the potential of the hubs and look forward to seeing their findings inform successful, ambitious net zero policies with public health at their heart.”
No comments yet